Pivotable conveyor and link

ABSTRACT

A link is disclosed for a conveyor, as is a conveyor itself, suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, a plurality of the links being attachable to form the conveyor, the link includes a body having a length extending along the direction of transport and a width extending across the direction of transport, and two opposed gripping members extending from the body. At least one of the gripping members is a movable gripping member movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position, the movable gripping member includes a gripping end, the gripping members being located so as to contact one of the objects via the gripping end when the movable gripping member is in the second position to hold the object relative to the body during transport. At least one spring member urging the movable gripping member toward the second position, and universal joint components are provided including an extension and a cavity, the extension being disposable in a cavity of a first adjacent link, and the cavity for receiving an extension of a second adjacent link. The extension extends along an axis substantially unaligned with the direction of transport. Various options and modifications are possible.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/712,405, filed Nov. 13, 2003 now U.S.Pat. No. 7,021,453, and of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/979,762,filed Nov. 3, 2004, which is itself a continuation-in-part applicationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/879,690, filed Jun. 29, 2004.Priority is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to all three priorapplications, which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pivotable conveyor designsand related components such as conveyor links. Other aspects relate touse of such conveyors in article handling systems, such as containerhandling systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automated filling machines configured for filling any manner ofcontainer processed through the machine by a conveyor or the like areold and well known in the art. For example, a conventional high-speedfilling machine typically uses a worm gear or screw-like device toorient and deliver containers (i.e., bottles) conveyed in single fileand in contact with each other. The worm gear engages each container andspaces the containers apart a desired distance corresponding to thespacing of downstream filling valves. The containers are typicallyconveyed from the worm gear to a rotating star wheel that receives thecontainers in individual pockets or recesses. The star wheel may furtherconvey the bottles to one or more additional star wheels, to a rotatingtable or platform of the filling machine, or may directly convey thebottles under the heads of the rotary filling machine. Examples of suchfilling machines are described, for example, in the following U.S. Pat.Nos.: 2,666,564; 3,519,108; 4,053,003; 4,588,001; 6,253,809 B1; and6,474,368 B2.

With the device according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,919, the containers arespaced apart on a conveyor by a pair of parallel screws and conveyed onthe same conveyer directly to the filling valves of the rotary fillerwithout the use of a star wheel.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,695 describes a star wheel having a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced orienting devices around its periphery. Each ofthe orienting devices includes moveable fingers which can readily assumethe contour of different containers. However, the containers must stillbe indexed prior to being conveyed to the star wheel.

Conventional rotary filling machines of the type described above used inmodern high-speed processing lines require relatively sophisticateddrives, gearing, and control systems for ensuring precise coordinatedmovement between the different in-feed and out-feed star wheels, wormgears, and so forth. Also, the star wheel assemblies take up valuablefloor space in use, as a typical star wheel may be, for example, 4 feetin diameter. Further, if different sized bottles are to be run through agiven filler, extra star wheels are likely needed for each bottle size,and each bottle may require two or three different star wheels tostabilize different portions of a given bottle. The extra (unused) starwheels and/or sets of star wheels thus require a great amount of storagespace. The star wheels also require maintenance and upkeep, andgenerally add to the overall cost of the filling operation.

Conventional rotary filling operations also generally process thecontainers in a single file or row through the filling machine,primarily due to the indexing functions of the worm gears and/or starwheels. To accomplish multiple parallel row filling operations withconventional star wheel indexing technology would require complicatedand expensive gearing and drive arrangements and is not consideredcommercially viable. Multiple row filling is thus often provided bylinear-type filling machines as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.5,878,796. In this linear design, the containers are typically conveyedserially as a group into the filling machine and captured or indexedinto position under filling nozzles or orifices. The containers aretypically held fixed and motionless while they are filled. Once thecontainers are filled, the indexing mechanism releases the containersand the filled containers are conveyed out on the same conveyor andanother grouping of containers in indexed into position for filling. Thelinear-type machines, however, also have drawbacks, particularly withrespect to processing speed. The basic architecture of the rotary systemdesign is clearly superior with respect to potential through-put ofcontainers as compared to the linear systems. Also, the rotary systemsmake far more efficient use of floor space.

U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/650,490 and 10/274,696, filed Aug.28, 2003 and Oct. 21, 2002, respectively, and both assigned to the ownerof the present application, disclose other rotary filling machines. Bothof these applications disclose devices for filling multiple rows ofcontainers that travel in a circular path around a filling machine. Thedisclosed designs are well-suited for their intended applications. Inthe designs of both applications, containers and/or filling heads aremaneuvered in various ways when the containers near the filling heads soas to organize the containers into properly-spaced groups thatcorrespond to the placement and spacing of filling heads. Doing sorequires a certain amount of machinery and space. Also, in such systemsthe containers are at some points of travel not held fast to one part ofthe system machinery or another, potentially leading to toppling over orbreaking of containers, as has been experienced with various otherfilling machines and systems over the years. Therefore, a need existsfor a further improved simple and reliable system for moving containerssecurely through a filling machine and its related system parts, such asrinsers, labelers, etc.

Various types of conveyors have been utilized for conveying objects inindustrial production lines. Objects may be conveyed from work stationto work station individually or in groupings, depending on the objectand the task to be performed. It may or may not be important to maintainany spacing or control of the objects during some or all of the travel.For example, apples being conveyed may simply be stacked randomly on aconveyor, while bottles being filled may be held rigidly in place by afilling machine that has received the bottles from a conveyor.

Certain conveyor belts (sometimes also called chains) are made of aplurality of interconnected links, driven by motors that engage theconveyor belt. Such conveying systems are commonly employed in thetransportation of manufactured goods and articles, and for containers.With these typical systems, the motor drives a toothed drive sprocketthat engages complimenting driving recesses or “dogs” formed on theconveyor belt. These drive units can be disposed in any number along thelength of the conveyor belt. Such a drive unit and conveyor system isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,848 which is assigned to the assigneeof the present invention, and is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for all purposes.

Link type conveyor belts are sometimes designed having a knuckle/socketjoint arrangement wherein one part of the link has a rounded knuckle andthe opposite part has a socket formed by two extending edges. Theknuckle of one link fits into the socket of a neighboring link. Theknuckle is able to move in various directions within the socket, whichallows for the conveyor system as a whole to curve and move.

The interconnected links typically have a platform member connected toor formed integral with the link's upper (conveying) surface. Theplatform member is generally shaped to match the neighboring platformmembers on other links such that the links can turn in a plane or twistwhile moving around curved sections of the conveying system, yet arealso shaped such that the cracks and spaces formed between the links areminimized. The platform members can be connected to the links in severaldifferent ways. For instance, the platforms may have pegs extendingtherefrom which match corresponding slots on the links. Alternatively oradditionally, the platforms can have snap springs which lock into placeon corresponding sections of the links. Such a knuckle link with aplatform surface member is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,716 which isowned by the assignee of the present invention and incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety for all purposes.

While the conveyors disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,716 work well fortheir intended applications, they are by their design inherently limitedin terms of the amount of bending and twisting that they can do over agiven distance. The interconnected knuckle links do beneficially afforda certain amount of three-dimensional curvature, but they also limit insome ways the layout of object conveying machinery according to themaximum amount of curvature possible between the knuckle links. Further,stability of conveyed objects can be compromised in some applications ifthe objects are conveyed by their bases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain aspects of the invention, a link is disclosed for aconveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, aplurality of the links being attachable to form the conveyor, the linkincluding a body having a length extending along the direction oftransport and a width extending across the direction of transport, andtwo opposed gripping members extending from the body. At least one ofthe gripping members is a movable gripping member movable from a firstopened position to a second gripping position, the movable grippingmember including a gripping end, the gripping members being located soas to contact one of the objects via the gripping end when the movablegripping member is in the second position to hold the object relative tothe body during transport. At least one spring member urges the movablegripping member toward the second position, and universal jointcomponents are provided including an extension and a cavity, theextension being disposable in a cavity of a first adjacent link, and thecavity for receiving an extension of a second adjacent link. Theextension extends along an axis substantially unaligned with thedirection of transport. Various options and modifications are possible.

For example, the extension and the cavity may be configured to form balland socket joints capable of relative three-dimensional movement. Also,the object may be a bottle having a neck, and the gripping members areconfigured to grip the bottle by the neck. The second position may beself-adjustable depending on the size of the object. The conveyor mayinclude at least one cam member and each movable gripping member mayinclude at least one cam follower, the cam member contacting the camfollower to move the movable gripping member toward the first position.

The link may include attaching structure for attaching the link to atleast one element along a handling system, and the attaching structuremay include a contact member extending from the body configured forattachment to the at least one element. The contact member may besubstantially cylindrical. The cavity may be located at least partiallywithin the contact member.

The gripping members may be mounted directly to the body, or thegripping members may be mounted to a carrying member, the carryingmember being mounted to the body. If so, the carrying member may includea transport surface, the conveyed object resting on the transportsurface.

A gear drive mechanism may join the gripping members for simultaneousmovement, and the gear drive mechanism may include teeth on the grippingmembers. Also, the gear drive mechanism may include a rack and pinionarrangement.

The axis along which the extension extends may be substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of transport.

According to other aspects of the invention, a link is disclosed for aconveyor suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction tovarious elements within a handling system, a plurality of the linksbeing attachable to form the conveyor, the link including a body havinga length extending along the direction of transport and a widthextending across the direction of transport, and two opposed grippingmembers extending from the body. Each gripping member may be movablefrom a first opened position to a second gripping position, the grippingmembers each including a gripping arm having a pivot point, a grippingend spaced from the pivot point, the gripping members being located soas to contact one of the objects via the gripping end when the grippingmembers are in the second position to hold the object relative to thebody during transport. At least one spring member urges the grippingmembers toward the second position, and universal joint components areprovided including an extension and a cavity, the extension beingdisposable in a cavity of a first adjacent link, and the cavity forreceiving an extension of a second adjacent link. The extension extendsalong an axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport.Attaching structure attaches the link to at least one element along thehandling system.

Various options and modifications are possible. For example, adjacentlinks may grip conveyed objects with a predetermined spacing, and thepredetermined spacing may correspond to a spacing of parts within thehandling system.

According to other aspects of the invention, a conveyor is disclosedsuitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, a pluralityof links being attachable to form the conveyor, each link including abody having a length extending along the direction of transport and awidth extending across the direction of transport, and two opposedgripping members extending from the body. At least one of the grippingmember is a movable gripping member movable from a first opened positionto a second gripping position, the movable gripping member including agripping end, the gripping members being located so as to contact one ofthe objects via the gripping end when the movable gripping member is inthe second position to hold the object relative to the body duringtransport. At least one spring member urges the movable gripping membertoward the second position. Universal joint components are providedincluding an extension and a cavity, the extension being disposable in acavity of a first adjacent link, and the cavity for receiving anextension of a second adjacent link. The extension extends along an axissubstantially unaligned with the direction of transport. As above,various options and modifications are included.

According to certain other aspects of the invention, a conveyor isdisclosed suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction tovarious elements within a handling system, a plurality of links beingattachable to form the conveyor, each link including a body having alength extending along the direction of transport and a width extendingacross the direction of transport, and two opposed gripping membersextending from the body, each gripping member being movable from a firstopened position to a second gripping position. The gripping members eachinclude a gripping arm having a pivot point, a gripping end spaced fromthe pivot point, the gripping members being located so as to contact oneof the objects via the gripping end when the gripping members are in thesecond position to hold the object relative to the body duringtransport. At least one spring member urges the gripping members towardthe second position, and universal joint components are providedincluding an extension and a cavity. The extension is disposable in acavity of a first adjacent link, and the cavity for receiving anextension of a second adjacent link. The extension extends along an axissubstantially perpendicular to the direction of transport, and attachingstructure is provided for attaching the link to at least one elementalong the handling system. Again, various options and modifications arepossible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (in parts FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) is a perspective view of aconveying system and a conveyor incorporating certain aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a filler station and conveyor of the system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective, partial view of the filler station of FIG. 2without the conveyor links or conveyed objects;

FIG. 4 is a partial end view of the filler station of FIG. 1 showingconveyor links and conveyed objects;

FIG. 5 is a partially broken-apart perspective view of a portion of thefiller station of FIG. 1 showing one possible design for an accumulatortank and associated components;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of one design for a portion ofthe conveyor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative design for aportion of the conveyor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view showing one method of engagementbetween a portion of the conveyor of FIG. 1 and a portion of the fillerstation;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a number of links of the conveyor ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of one possible internal mechanismfor a link for a conveyor as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a conveyor accordingto the present invention, optionally including a drive mechanism andtrack;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a link of the conveyor of FIG. 11in a first, opened position;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a link of the conveyor of FIG. 11in a second, closed position;

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded bottom perspective view of a link of theconveyor of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a link of the conveyor of FIG.11 holding an object such as a container;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a plurality of connected linksof the conveyor of FIG. 11 disposed on a track;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a plurality of connected links ofthe conveyor of FIG. 11 disposed on a track, and acted upon by a cammingrail; and

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of a link for another embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatical representation of one example of a transferstation including an intermediate gripping conveyor for transferringconveyed articles from a first conveyor to a second conveyor;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of another conveyor accordingto certain aspects of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a top view of a portion of a conveyor as in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of a modified rotary fillingmachine and modified track ends for use with a conveyor as in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a portion of an alternate conveyordesign;

FIG. 24 is a partial cutaway view of one link of a conveyor as in FIG.23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a modified version of the designof FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a portion of an alternate conveyordesign;

FIG. 27 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the conveyors inFIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of one link of the conveyor of FIG. 26shown gripping a bottle;

FIG. 29 is a top view of one link of the conveyor of FIG. 26 in anopened position;

FIG. 30 is a top view of one link of the conveyor of FIG. 26 in agripping position;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a portion of an alternate conveyordesign;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of one link of the conveyor of FIG. 31in a gripping position;

FIG. 33 is a partially broken away perspective view of the link of FIG.32 in an opened position; and

FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the link of FIG. 32 in an openedposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and notmeant as a limitation of the invention. For example, featuresillustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used withanother embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intendedthat the present invention include these and other modifications andvariations. In discussing various embodiments, like or similar referencenumerals are used below with like or similar parts of variousembodiments.

As shown in the various figures, embodiments of a flexible conveyorhaving links, and flexible connection elements for conveyors, along withtheir constituent parts, are disclosed. It should be understood that thepresent invention encompasses both a full conveyor structure made ofindividual links, connecting structures, and/or other components, andindividual components for a conveyor including the connection elementsand their components. Other aspects of the invention include theattachment or guidance of the conveyor or its component to links or tomating elements of a processing and/or filling system, as well aselements of a filler. The examples shown herein are for explanatorypurposes only, and are not intended to limit the invention only to thatshown and disclosed.

FIGS. 1A–10 show embodiments of a flexible conveyor having links, andpotential use of such conveyor with a container processing system,including a rotary filler. The present invention includes variousaspects of this complete disclosure. For example, aspects of theconveyor itself, the attachment of connection elements of the conveyorto links, the interaction of the conveyor with the track, theinteraction of the conveyor with the filler, the interaction of theconveyor with the entire system, and others, all embody aspects of thepresent invention. As shown broadly in FIG. 1 (divided into a left-handsection FIG. 1A and a right-hand section FIG. 1B), an article conveyingsystem 100 is shown. Broadly speaking, system 100 may include numerousportions of an article conveying system, such as a system for fillingcontainers. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 may include an accumulator200 having an accumulator infeed conveyor 202 and an accumulator outfeedconveyor 204. A transfer station 300 may be provided for transferringcontainers C from accumulator outfeed conveyor 204 to main conveyor 400.As shown, transfer station 300 may include a conventional screwmechanism 302 for spacing containers C so that the containers are inregistry with links 410 of main conveyor 400. As shown in FIG. 19 anddiscussed below, a relatively short top gripping conveyor (not shown inFIG. 1A), such as is shown in FIGS. 11–18, may also be used as a part oftransfer stations 300 and 800 to assist in transferring containers fromconveyor 204 to conveyor 400. A rinsing station 500 is also providedincluding two inverter mechanisms 502 and 504. Filler station 600 isprovided including a rotary filler 602. Downstream of filler station 600is an additional processing station 700, which may be a capping station,labeling station, or the like. Finally, a transfer station 800 isprovided downstream of the additional station for transferringcontainers C from main conveyor 400 to a system outfeed conveyor 802.

It should be understood that the above description of elements withinFIG. 1 is one possible example of a conveying system suitable for usewith the conveyors of the present invention. For example, if the systemis a filling system, various stations could be added or omitted from theabove. Accordingly, a molding station could be included, separatecapping and labeling stations could be included, the rinsing stationcould be omitted, cartoning or packing stations could be added, etc.Thus, the present invention should not be considered to be limited tothe particular filling system shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, theinvention has various utilities with systems that are not fillingsystems. For example, certain benefits of the invention could beachieved using the disclosed conveyors apart from an actual fillingoperation to process articles, which may or may not be containers. Thus,merely conveying articles, which may or may not be containers, from onelocation to another with spacing between articles has variousapplications. Further, conveying such articles with a known,predetermined spacing is also useful for certain applications. In theseadditional applications, filling is not necessary to the application.

The system could be used with an accumulator and rinser for emptycontainers, or with a capper and cartoner for full containers. Also,other sorts of conventional fillers could be used, and the disclosedconveyors need not be used with the filler for all aspects of theinvention. Further, the system need not be used with containers at all,but could be used for conveying other objects.

Also, it should be understood that conveyor 400, which will be describedin greater detail below, is shown as passing through rinsing station500, filler station 600, and additional station 700 in a loop. It shouldbe understood that more or fewer stations could be included within suchloop.

Accumulator station 200 may comprise a spiral accumulator such as aDYNAC®, available from Hartness International, Inc., or any otheravailable spiral, linear, or other type of accumulator device. It shouldbe understood that use of an accumulator station 200 is not necessaryaccording to all aspects of the invention, but the invention doesprovide certain benefits when used within a system having an accumulatorstation. As shown, accumulator station includes infeed conveyor 202which provides the initial supply of containers to system 100.

Infeed conveyor 202 supplies containers from a source S that maycomprise a storage or staging apparatus (not shown), or may supplycontainers more directly from a manufacturing apparatus such as a blowmolding machine (not shown). Again, although certain benefits of theinvention are provided by linking infeed container 202 to a containermanufacturing apparatus, such use is not required according to allaspects of the present invention.

As shown, outfeed conveyor 204 receives containers from accumulatorstation 200 and conveys them to transfer station 300, where thecontainers are transferred to main (endless) conveyor 400. If anaccumulator station 202 is not used, infeed conveyor 202 may also beeliminated or merged with outfeed conveyor 204, so that containersconveyed from source S are passed to transfer station 200 without entryinto an accumulator.

For purposes of system 100, infeed and outfeed conveyors 202 and 204 maycomprise any type of conventional conveyor, such as a knuckle conveyorattached to a platform member, which may be constructed as set forth inU.S. Pat. No. 6,601,697 or in various other ways. For example, insteadof a knuckle conveyor, other types of conveyors, belts, or chains suchas roller chains, or roller chains with attachments, could be used forinfeed and outfeed conveyors 202 and 204. Also, any of the conveyordesigns and options disclosed herein could be utilized. Typically,infeed and outfeed conveyors 202 and 204 would have side rails or someequivalent structure (not shown) for guiding the conveyed containers.Alternately, gripping conveyors such as those disclosed in U.S. patentapplications Ser. Nos. 10/712,405, 10/712,406, and 10/712,407, all filedNov. 13, 2003, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/806,806, filedMar. 30, 2004, all assigned to the owner of the present application,could also be used for infeed and outfeed conveyors 202 and 204, ifdesired. Also, the designs of the above patent applications could alsobe used or adapted for conveyor 400, discussed in more detail below.

Transfer station 300 as shown functions to transfer containers fromoutfeed conveyor 204 to main conveyor 400. Transfer station 300 includesa conventional screw mechanism 302 for spacing containers along theconveying direction according to the spacing of further machinery, suchas filling elements of filler station 600, as will be described below.Thus, the parameters of screw mechanism 302 (such as screw pitch,rotation speed) may readily be designed by one skilled in the art so asto space containers “on centers” of rinsing elements used to rinse outthe containers, filling elements used to fill the containers, and/orcapping elements used to cap the containers, if desired. Screw mechanism302 may comprise one or more screws, available from Morrison TimingScrews, or any other conventional screw mechanism. As mentioned above, atop gripping conveyor such as is shown in FIGS. 11–18 may be added tothat shown in FIG. 1A to assist in smoothly transferring conveyedobjects from an upstream conveyor to a downstream conveyor near screwmechanism 302. (See FIG. 19.) Also, it would be possible to placetransfer station 300 at the exit to accumulator station 200 and/orinfeed conveyor 202 and/or adjacent source S, so as to convey containersmore directly to main conveyor 400, if desired.

Rinsing station 500 as diagrammatically shown includes an inverter 502,a rinsing device 506, and an un-inverter 504. Main conveyor 400, asshown, holds containers as they travel through these elements of thesystem. Main conveyor 400 may be a gripping conveyor as disclosed inU.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 10/712,405, 10/712,406, and10/712,407, all filed Nov. 13, 2003, and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/809,806, filed Mar. 30, 2004, all assigned to the owner of thepresent application. Main conveyor 400 is configured so that grippingmembers may positively grip containers in a fixed position along theconveying direction, spaced “on centers.”

As shown, inverter 502 and un-inverter 504 are tracks that spiralthrough 180 degrees perpendicular to the conveying direction, to alterthe orientation of the conveyed containers for rinsing or filling.Alternatively, inverter 502 and un-inverter 504 could invert thecontainers by passing main conveyor 400 around an arc along theconveying direction, such as in a high-in/low-out rinser, or alow-in/high-out rinser.

Referring to FIGS. 2–5 in general, filler station 600 may include arotary filler such as filler 602. It should be understood that methodembodiments according to the invention are also depicted in the figures.The machine 602 and associated method are not limited to filling of anyparticular size or shape of container C. The containers C areillustrated in the figures as conventional long-necked bottles forpurposes of illustration only. As will become evident, the filler 602 isparticularly useful and well-adapted for filling various size and shapecontainers with relatively little reconfiguration of the machine.

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, for ease of illustration, a single main conveyor 400is shown. However, as is made clear in other figures, two or more suchconveyors may be utilized with filler 602. Thus, conveyor 400 a (seeFIG. 2) has been omitted from FIGS. 1A and 1B. If two main conveyors400, 400 a were used, additional corresponding parts of system 100 couldalso be doubled.

Filler 602 includes a rotating platform, generally 604 having an in-feedsection 606 and an out-feed section 608. At the in-feed section 606,containers C are transferred via main conveyor 400 onto the rotatingplatform 604. Similarly, at the out-feed section 608, filled containersC are transferred from the rotating platform 604 via main conveyor 400.Thus, containers C do not leave conveyor 400 during filling; ratherconveyor 400 is connected to and detached from platform 604 for filling.

In the illustrated embodiments, the rotating platform 604 is a generallycircular rotating plate member, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 2.The rotating platform 604 rotates about a vertical axis 610 (FIG. 3). Inthis embodiment, an on-ramp 612 may be disposed at the in-feed 606section to move conveyor 400 onto the rotating platform 604, and anoff-ramp 614 may be disposed at the outfeed section 608 to move theconveyor off the rotating platform.

In an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the figures, therotating platform 604 may be replaced by a circular portion of conveyor400 including an extending circular track portion. Alternatively,platform 604 could have different shapes. It should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that various configurations of conveyingsystems may be utilized for practicing the invention, and that all suchconfigurations are within the scope and spirit of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2–4, a filling turret 616 is disposed generally abovethe rotating platform 604 and rotates relative to the vertical axis 610at a rotational speed that corresponds generally to that of the rotatingplatform 604. In this regard, the rotating turret 616 and platform 604may be driven by a common drive mechanism, as described in greaterdetail below.

The filling turret 616 includes a plurality of radially disposed fillingheads, generally 618, that are movable from a rest position relative tothe containers C to a filling position wherein filling elements 620engage with the containers C for a filling operation (see FIG. 4). In aparticular embodiment, the filling heads 618 may be individuallysupplied and controlled. In the illustrated embodiments, the fillingheads 618 are configured with respective groups of filling elements 620.Each filling head 618 includes an accumulator tank 622 in which agrouping of individual filling elements 620 are configured. Eachaccumulator tank 622 is in communication with a rotary gland 624 viaflexible coupling hoses 626. Gland 624 is connected to a supply pipe625, which is in turn in communication with central reservoir R (seeFIG. 4). Referring to FIG. 2, the individual filling elements 620 inthis particular embodiment are arranged in curved, parallel serial rowswherein the outer radial row contains a greater number of elements 620as compared to the inner radial row. It should be appreciated that thenumber of elements in each of the rows will be a function of thecircumferential spacing and size of the elements, as well as the radialplacement of the elements 620 with respect to the axis 610.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B only a single main conveyor 400 is shown.However, as indicated in the figures two such conveyors 400, 400 a maybe used if desired. Use of two main conveyors allows for nearly doublingthe processing speed through the system without drastic change indiameter of filler 602, and allows for double row filling in the fillerstation 600. Thus, advantageously, a much smaller amount of floor spacecan be used to fill containers, as compared to two separate,side-by-side single file filler stations 600. However, it should beunderstood that a double file filler station is not required for allaspects of the present invention.

As discussed below, when a double file system is used like or similarreference numerals are used to identify like or similar elements in thedual rows. For clarity in the various figures, certain elements havebeen left out of the figures to better show underlying elements orrelationships. For example, in FIG. 1B, links 412 are deleted aboutfiller 602 so that the ramps 612 and 614, and the holes 628, and theregistration of holes 628, containers C, and elements 620 can be betterillustrated.

As shown in FIGS. 2–4, individual filling heads 618 can be raised andlowered by way of a rotary track 630 having a follower 632 riding in agroove 634. Interface 636 attached to follower 632 rides up and down onmember 638. If desired, motorized, electronic, hydraulic elements (suchas cylinder 617) may be applied to raise and lower turret 616 andaccordingly all of heads 618, and similar elements (such as cylinder619) may be used to properly position turret 616 around axis 610, forexample to align filling elements 620 for filling containers C. A motor640 powers rotation of the platform 604 and associated elements aroundaxis 610. Various user-operated motor controls, such as Allen Bradleyprogrammable logic controllers (not shown) as is known can be providedfor motor 640. Also, an on-board computer or other controller 623 may beprovided either rotationally mounted on platform 604, as shown in FIG.3, or non-rotationally mounted to another portion of filler 602.Suitable electrical connections would also be provided, depending on themounting position. Other conventional filler head moving mechanismscould also be used in conjunction with the disclosed rotating platformand main conveyor and associated elements, if desired. Thus, any and allsuch subject matter should be considered within the scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatical (not to scale) example of elements withinand attached to a given head 618. As shown, interface 636 includesrollers 642 that roll along contact member 638 as the interface risesand falls. Two pair of rollers 642 may be provided, although only one ofeach pair is shown in FIG. 5 for clarity. Two pivoting mounting arms 644are provided on a radially outer portion of interface 636 for receivingan extending tab 646 extending from a radially inner portion of tank622. Tab 646 slides into a mating opening 647 in interface 636 to mounthead 618 to the interface. Tab 646 has slots in it sized for receivingmounting arms 644 so as to prevent tab 646 from withdrawing from opening647 once mounted. Other mating or interlocking structures may also beused, if desired, for releasably securing head 618 to interface 636. Useof tab 646 and arms 644 allows for quick removal of an entire head 618when desired.

FIG. 5 further shows a single filling element 620 mounted to bottom wall622 a of tank 622 via opening 622 b. Two openings 622 b and 622 c areshown in a single row, although two or more rows of such openings couldbe provided for filling elements, if desired. Filling element 620includes a body 648 mounted to wall 622 a via a mounting clamp 650,which may be attached via a screw, pin, or the like to wall 622 a. Aseal such as an O-ring 652 is provided between wall 622 a and body 648.A vent tube 654 is fixed to body 648 via a seal member 656. A fill tube658 is slidably mounted around vent tube 654, and is urged downward (asshown) by a spring member 660. A first seal member 662 is attached to abottom portion of fill tube 658, and a second seal member 664 isattached to a bottom portion of vent tube 654. Second seal member 664acts to evenly spread liquids within container C during filling. Filltube 658 may have a screen (not shown) disposed therein for furtherimproving flow and retaining fluids when desired due to liquid surfacetension. A centering cup 666 may be slidably mounted to body 648 forguiding container necks to contact seal member 662 for filling, asdescribed below. Centering cup 666 may have one or more guide slots 668for receiving an extension 670 from body 648 for guiding motion of thecentering cup. Although not illustrated as such in FIG. 5 for purposesof clarity, centering cup 666 may simply hang on body 648 under theforce of gravity unless lifted by contact due to interaction with acontainer, but spring loading is also possible.

During use of filler 602, when no container is present, filling head 618is at a raised position and fill tube 658 is at a lowered position sothat seal members 662 and 664 are in contact, thereby preventing flow ofliquid out of filling element 620 through seal member 662. As fillinghead 618 is lowered by interaction of follower 632 riding in groove 634of track 630, seal member 662 eventually comes into contact with the topof a container C. Centering cup 666 may contact container C during thisprocess to assist in alignment. As head 618 drops further, it liftssealing member 662 enough so that liquid in tank 622 may follow arrows672 into container C. Filling may be accomplished by gravity fill, orwith pressurized assistance if desired, with gasses being evacuated fromcontainer C substantially through vent tube 654. When the liquid levelin container C reaches the bottom of vent tube 654, evacuation of gasfrom the container effectively ceases, since liquid flow though filltube 658 precludes most gas flow out of the container in that route.Thus, the container may be filled before filling head 618 is lifted soas to disengage the container.

It should be understood that other filling head designs and optionscould be used. Disclosed filling element 620 is a reliable gravity filldesign that is easy to install and change out when desired. But itshould be understood that various commercially available fillingelements could be substituted for some aspects of the present invention.

An example of tank fill and venting systems are also schematically shownin FIG. 5. A release valve or vent 674 is shown on an upper wall 622d oftank 622. A float 676 with an attached positioning rod 678 and positionindicator 680 are also provided. Float 676 rises or falls with the levelof fluid in tank 622. A pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic valve 682actuated by indicator 680 controls flow though fluid input line 684 andoutput line 686. Another valve 688 controls flow of liquid into tank 622through hose 626. Thus, when float 676 falls low enough for indicator680 to actuate valve 682, valve 688 is also actuated, thereby causingfluid to flow into tank 622 and evacuated gas to exit through releasevalve 674. Quick disconnect fittings (not shown) may be used with hose626 and lines 684 and 686 to improve the ease of changing filling heads,if desired. Any connected electronic equipment, sensors, controllers,etc., if used, should also include readily detachable connectors.Various other tank filling systems could alternatively be employed,including electronic sensors and valves, servomotors, etc. However, forsuch a wet system, use of the mechanical and pneumatic systems may avoidcertain environmental issues with electronic parts and controls.

It should be understood, that tank 622 and related filling elements 620may be modified from that shown, for example as set forth in U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 10/650,490 and 10/274,656, filed Aug. 28, 2003 andOct. 21, 2002, respectively, for some aspects of the present invention.Also, tank 622 may include one or more radial or circumferentialpartitions (not shown) creating distinct portions, with a separateliquid in each portion. Therefore, more than one type of liquid could beput into containers by one tank 622. If desired, an inner row ofelements 620 could fill containers with one liquid on an inner conveyorand an outer row of elements could fill containers with another liquidon an outer conveyor. Of course, multiple hoses 626 and associated tankfilling systems would be needed in such case. Also, it is possible thatindividual filling heads 618 dispense different liquids as well, and anynumber of individual heads could be used around filler 602.

The filling heads 618 are readily removable and replaceable by detachingthe hose 626 and lines 684 and 686, opening arms 644, and then slidingtab 646 out of opening 647. At this point another filling head may beconnected and filling continued. The removed filling head 618 may becleaned apart from the filler while the new head is operating on thefiller, substantially reducing down time for the filler.

Also, with this design, it is possible to make filling head 618expandable or contractible, by adding or removing any number of fillingelements 620 (and plugging the resulting openings). Thus, filler 602could be modified between a one or two conveyor 400 and/or 400 a system,with one or two liquids, as desired, with minimal modification toindividual heads 618. Also, such modification could be accomplished byswitching out whole filler heads 618, if spare elements are available.

Depending on diameter of the filler 602, a single conveyor system mayinclude as many as 60–100 individual filling elements 620. By utilizinga second conveyor, the number of elements 620 on filler 602 may beincreased by about 80%. Thus, a two-conveyor filler may achieve rates ashigh as 150 containers per minute per foot of filler diameter (atheads). For an 8-foot diameter filler, the corresponding fill rate is onthe order of about 1,200 containers per minute. It is expected thatusing the teachings of the present invention, even higher fill rates arepossible in a two-conveyor system. Adding a third conveyor would againincrease capacity, perhaps by 60% or more of the single conveyorcapacity to the two-conveyor capacity. Thus, various aspects of thepresent conveyor and filler designs can substantially increase filledcontainer output without substantially or correspondingly increasingfloor space required for the filler, its various components, and/orassociated system components.

As shown in FIG. 6, with respect to main conveyor 400, such conveyor maybe made of links 412 comprising extending bodies having opposed grippingmembers 432 and at least one spring member 466 (see FIG. 10). At leastone of gripping members 432 may move toward the other to grip acontainer therebetween. Gripping members 432 may include adaptors 492configured for gripping and centering a container with respect to link412, so as to be able to hold container C in a position and registrationwith a filling element 620. Cam follower members 452 may be provided foropening gripping members 432 when desired. As shown in FIG. 10, grippingmembers 432 may be moved via a double rack and pinion arrangement withpinion 433 mounted for rotation relative to link 412 so as to allowracks 441 to move relative thereto in unison. However, it should beunderstood that various other designs of main conveyor links in whichone or more gripping members 432 are moveable may be utilized accordingto the present invention.

As shown herein, spring members 466 urge gripping members 432 toward aclosed position. However, the function of cam followers 452 and springmembers 466 may be reversed so that the cam members urge grippingmembers 432 toward the closed position and the spring members urge thegripping members toward the open position. Thus, gripping members maycontact a conveyed object C to hold the object during transport as theobjects pass through the system, including filler station 600 or variousother elements. Adjacent links 412 may be connected via connectionelements such as a connecting member 401 (see FIGS. 6 and 9).

As disclosed herein, one embodiment of connecting member 401 includes abraided wire cable 403 made of stainless steel or any other suitablematerial, or the like with mounting members 405 secured to it at givenintervals. The mounting members 405 may comprise cylindrical swages madeof aluminum, stainless steel or any other suitable material or the likesecured to cable 403 by a set screw, swaging, welding, braising, or anyother reliable manner of attachment.

As will be described below, the connection elements may be connecteddirectly to the link bodies 412 or, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9, theconnection elements may be connected to an intermediate member 412 a.Link bodies 412 are then connected to intermediate members 412 a viascrews 413, or any other method of attachment. If desired, intermediatemembers 412 a may be removably attachable to links 412 for purposes ofquick change out of main conveyor 400, maintenance, replacement,cleaning, etc. Alternately, intermediate member 412 a could simplycomprise an extension disposed at the bottom of link 412.

As shown in FIG. 6, intermediate members 412 a may comprisesubstantially cylindrical pucks, and the intermediate members includestructure for guiding links 412 along a track. Intermediate members 412a in FIG. 6 include slots 417 having flared edges 417 a for guidinglinks 412 along a track (such as on ramps and off ramps 612 and 614having extending opposed rails). Other shapes for the track and thestructure for following the track are possible within the scope of theinvention. Flared edges 417 a allow for a certain amount of twisting ifthe tracks are to be inverted, for example as would be done at inverter502 and inverter 504, discussed above. Links 412 may thus follow a trackto on ramp 612 (on ramp 612 may even be considered a part of the track),at which point links 412 depart the track and attach themselves torotatable platform 604 while still holding containers C to be filled.After containers C are filled, links 412 disattach themselves fromrotatable platform 604 and rejoin the track, by way of off ramp 614.Therefore, links 412 include attaching structure for attaching the linksto at least one element along the handling or filling system, in thiscase the filler 602.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, such attaching structure may includecooperating elements disposed on each link 412 and on the filler 602. InFIG. 8, for clarity in illustrating various portions of intermediatemember 412 a, rotating platform 604 is shown in dotted lines, eventhough the rotating platform is below the intermediate member. It shouldbe understood that it is also possible within the scope of the inventionto attach the intermediate member 412 a or links 412 to an underside ofa track or rotary platform for article conveying or processing, or evencontainer filling. More particularly, the cooperating elements mayinclude an arm 419 (or securing tab) attached to each link 412 and aplurality of openings 628 disposed on rotating platform 604 of filler602. Arm 419 may or may not be utilized to assist in conveyor 400following any track portion of the system. As shown, arm 419 may includea slanted portion 419 a for guiding arm 419 into hole 628 and includes acantilevered portion 419 b for securing arm 419 to platform 604. Inorder to have arm 419 drop into hole 628, it may be desirable to includea curvature in the vertical direction along on ramp 612 to guide arm 419downward into engagement with opening 628. Tension caused by connectionelement 401 pulls arm 419 radially inward (relative to axis 610) therebysliding portion 419 b under the bottom of platform 604 adjacent hole 628(see arrow A in FIG. 7). Similarly, to remove links 412 from platform604 after filling, off ramp 614 engages links 412 to slide them outwardradially (in the direction opposite arrow A in FIG. 7) to move part 419b so as to align with hole 628, and then links 412 move arm 419 upwardout of hole 628. Link 412 may then be conveyed downstream of filler 602for its next processing step.

Other cooperating elements types (not shown) could also be utilized. Forexample, pins could extend out of platform 604 into bottoms of link 412or intermediate members 412 a. Any such structure for attaching theconveyor to the platform while the container is gripped is within thescope of the invention. Similarly other such structures could be used atother parts of system 100, modified for the particular application.

In use, a robust object handling and/or container filling system can becarried out using various elements of the above structure, as needed forthe particular application. For example, perhaps only a rinser andfiller could be used with a conveyor, with the conveyor conveyinggripped containers for handling therein. In any event, fewer conveyorsare needed, and more rapid processing may be possible with grippedconveyors. Elaborate star wheel systems for loading loose containers ofa conveyor onto a filler can be eliminated, and the incidence ofimproperly aligned, broken, or missing containers at filler heads can bereduced. Also, lines may be able to run faster, as well, becausecontainers are not likely to fall over while being affirmatively andcontinuously gripped. Downstream, multiple cartoners, sorters and thelike can take up the output of one filler if the filler is able tooperate faster due to the gripping of containers during conveying andfilling. Also, gripped containers may run quieter as adjacent containersare less likely to hit each other as opposed to loosely conveyedcontainers, and damage caused by contact between containers is preventedif the containers are not in contact. Thus, the conveyor, filler andsystem designs and methods disclosed above, may provide various benefitsin various applications. It should be kept in mind that the variousdisclosed components above are not limited to conveying containers orfilling systems.

FIGS. 11–18 show another embodiment of a conveyor 910 according tocertain other aspects of the invention. As shown, conveyor 910 includesa plurality of connected links 912 for conveying objects such ascontainers along a direction of transport T. Conveyor 910 may optionallybe used to grip objects spaced from or in contact with conveyingsurfaces 938 of links 912 (FIGS. 14 and 15). Conveyor 910 is thus suitedto grip and convey bottles by the neck, either upright or inverted, ifdesired. However, conveyor 910 could also carry objects sitting onconveying surface 938.

Each link 912 has a length L extending across the direction of transportT and a width W extending along the direction of transport T (see FIG.12). Each link 912 has a body 930, and may have two opposed grippingmembers 932, and at least one spring member 966. Cam follower members952 may be located on one or both of gripping members 932, which areselectively movable between a first, opened position (as shown in FIG.12) and a second, gripping position (as shown in FIG. 13). The springmember 966 urges the gripping members toward the second, grippingposition. Gripping members 932 may thus contact one of the conveyedobjects C to hold the object during transport when in the secondposition (see FIG. 15). Camming members such as cams or, as shown, rails984 (FIG. 17) may be provided to move gripping members 932 toward thefirst, opened position against the force of springs 966. Althoughgripping members 932 are shown as operating independently, if desired,their motions could be more directly tied by use of interacting circulargears, sliders, rack and pinion arrangements, or the like.

The movable gripping members may be attached in various ways. Forexample, as shown, each link 912 may include two pins 933 around whichgripping members 932 pivot. As shown, spring members 966 comprisetension springs. However, if desired, compression springs located on theopposite side of pins 933 could be used, or leaf springs could besubstituted as well. The spring constant of spring members 966 can beselected according to the application to as to be able to securely holdthe desired object, whether full or empty, in motion and/or travelingaround curves. If desired to achieve a certain result, multiple springmembers 966 could also be used.

One or both of gripping members 932 may include a flexible adaptor 992for more securely holding the gripped objects in a particular locationrelative to link 912. Further, if desired (but not shown), the adaptor992 or the griping member 932 may be shaped so that adjacent containersC may be gripped “on-centers” with a predetermined spacing forinteraction with other machinery (see, e.g., FIG. 11 below). The sizeand shape of adaptors 992 may be altered to suit the application and/orconveyed objects. Links 912 and/or adaptors 992 may also be particularlyconfigured to allow gripping members 932 to grip bottlenecks, or to gripobjects spaced from the links or with the links inverted, as shown.

Gripping members 932 on adjacent links 912 may be connected viaconnections elements such as a flexible connecting member 901 (FIG. 14).The connection elements are configured so as to allow three-dimensionalmovement of a given link relative to an adjacent link. As used herein,three-dimensional movement means relative movement between links aboutthree axes: twisting between adjacent links around an axis parallel tothe direction of transport, and around two axes perpendicular to thedirection of transport (i.e., horizontally and vertically, as orientedin FIG. 11). If each link grips and conveys one container, theconnection elements may allow twisting of approximately 180° or more perfoot of member 901.

Flexible connecting member 901 may comprise a braided wire cable 903made of stainless steel, or any other suitable materials or the like,with mounting members 905 secured to it at given intervals. Mountingmembers 905 may comprise cylindrical swages, as shown, made of aluminum,stainless steel, or any other suitable material or the like, secured tocable 903 by a set screw, swaging, welding, brazing, or any otherreliable manner of attachment. If such a flexible connecting member 901is used, a groove 907 may be formed in conveying surface 938 of link 912sized so that cable 903 may be slid into the groove. A retaining portion909 of groove 907 may be provided to receive mounting member 905.Retaining portion 909 may be a widened portion of groove 907 configuredfor receiving mounting member 905. If desired a retainer 911 may be slidover top of mounting member 905 and into a slot 913 in body 912 adjacentgroove 907 to retain the mounting member in retaining portion 909.Retainer 911 may be a spring-type member having leaf spring type edgesif desired to hold it in place. Alternately, a set screw, a pin, etc.,may be used to secured mounting member 905 within retaining portion 909.Depending on the arrangement and travel of conveyor 910, a retainer orthe like may not be needed, as tension and friction caused by thearrangement and travel may be sufficient to hold link 912 in place onflexible connecting member 901. In the configuration shown, individuallinks 912 may be removed from flexible connecting member 901 forservice, repair, cleaning, or changing of conveyed object orapplication, if desired. While such removable mounting is not necessaryfor all aspects of the invention, such arrangement may be useful incertain applications.

As shown, conveyor 910 may include a track 913, links 912 beingconfigured to follow the track. Track 913 may have a T-shaped crosssection 915 (see FIG. 11), and each link 912 may includes a T-shapedchannel 917 for receiving and following the track. Conveyor 910 mayutilize other guides instead of track 913, if desired, and links 912would be reconfigured accordingly.

Conveyor 910 may also include a rotatable wheel 919 for contacting thelinks 912 to direct the links around any curves in track 913, such ascurve 921 shown in FIG. 11. Use of wheel 919 reduces friction that wouldbe present between links 912 and track 913 along a curve. Such a wheelcould also be utilized in non-curved portions of travel as well. Also,track 913 could bend laterally or twist along the direction of travel,if desired. In particular, track 913 could invert before bottles passthrough a rinser and then turn back upright.

A drive mechanism may also be provided for driving links 912 in a givendirection. As shown, the drive mechanism may comprise a motor and motorcontrol 923, and at least one driven gear 925 having teeth 927. Teeth927 are configured to fit between adjacent links 912 in a rack andpinion arrangement to drive the links. Links 912 may accordingly includeside cut outs 912 a configured for receiving teeth 927 of gear 925. Thedrive mechanism may include two of the driven gears 925 disposed onopposite sides of links 912, and may also include intermediate gears 929configured to drive gears 925 at a given speed, as well as otherintermediate gearing (not shown) between the output of motor 923 andgears 929. Thus, conveyor 910 may be readily driven by direct contactwith gears 925.

Alternatively, gears 925 could be replaced with wheels (not shown) thatfrictionally contact outer ends of links 912. If so, the wheels couldhave flexible materials about their edges, and/or links 912 could havesimilar materials, for a secure frictional engagement so as to reliablydrive links 912.

FIG. 18 shows a link 1012 for a conveyor according to other aspects ofthe invention. As shown in this figure, the conveyor includes aplurality of links 1012 each having a body 1030. Four opposed grippingmembers 1032 are provided on each link, in pairs. As above, a camfollower member 1052 is moveable to selectively move each grippingmember 1032 between a first, opened position and a second, grippingposition. A spring mechanism 1066 is provided between each pair ofgripping members 1032.

Links 1012 are similar to links 912 in many ways. However, links 1012have two pairs of gripping members 1032 per link, rather than one. Asabove, gripping members 1032 may include flexible adaptors 1092, whichmay be made of material such as plastic, rubber, or the like.

Spring members 1066 are compression springs, as above, to urge thegripping members toward the second, closed position. A cam member (notshown) may contact each cam follower member 1052 to move grippingmembers 1032 in the opposite direction. Of course, the position of thespring member and/or cam member could be reversed so as to urge grippingmembers 1032 in opposite directions. Also, the compression springmembers could be replaced with tension springs on the opposite side ofpivot pins 1033, or with leaf springs. As with embodiments above, links1012 could be modified in various other ways, such as by modifying theadaptor 1092, etc.

Links 1012 may include slots 1017 for receiving a track, which maycomprise two opposed rails (not shown). Also, links may include aT-shaped slot 917, as above. Either way, links 1012 may be guided alongthe track. As above, links 1012 may be connected via a flexibleconnector such as a wire cable, or other structures, depending on theapplication.

Aspects of the designs of FIGS. 11–18 may be utilized in combinationwith aspects of the designs of FIGS. 1A–10. For example, the conveyorsof FIGS. 11–18 may be used to grip and convey articles through multiplestations of a processing system, which may include a filler station. Asshown in FIG. 19, top gripping conveyor 910 may be utilized as part of atransfer station 300 having one or more timing screws 302, as describedabove. Therefore, a short top gripping conveyor 910 such as shown inFIGS. 11–18 may be utilized in the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B to removeconveyed objects C₁ from conveyor 204, and grip the objects C₂ in links912 as spaced by screw 302, and then transfer the objects C₃ to conveyor400 on spaced links 412. Camming members (not shown) selectively openand close the grippers of conveyor 910 to grip and release thecontainers. Similarly, other camming members (not shown) open gripperson links 412 to allow the containers to be handed off from conveyor 910to conveyor 400. The speed and spacing of links 912 and 412 and screw302 should be controlled with sensors, such as optical or electronicdevices, so as to ensure synchronized operation. A conventionalprogrammable logic controller could be used to drive conveyor and timingscrew motors based on sensor feedback. Such structure would bebeneficial in aligning the conveyed objects at timing screw 302 whilegripped from above so that gripping portions of the downstream conveyor400 do not interfere with the screw. Then, the top gripping conveyorcould pass control to main conveyor 400, all controlled by simple camsand followers. If a timing screw or other such objects that might beinterfered with are not present near the moveable portions of thegripping conveyor, then it may be suitable to simply cam open grippersof the gripping conveyor to directly pass the conveyed articles to thenext station, conveyor, etc. However, a combination of a top grippingconveyor and bottom gripping conveyor, in either order, can have variousutilities in article handling and container filling.

Also, the conveyors of FIGS. 11–18 could be used to grip container basesrather than necks and still be used in the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Ifso, certain modifications would be possible, such as modifications tothe track and adding cooperating elements to attach the conveyor linksto processing stations such as the filler.

FIGS. 20–22 show another alternate construction of a conveyor, alongwith certain corresponding system components such as a track, a fillerportion, etc. FIG. 20 shows an alternative track 1113 including dualchannels 1115 facing each other. An alternate form of intermediateelement 1112 a is shown having an extending flange 1117 that slideswithin channels 1115. No arm, such as arm 419 above, is provided on abottom surface of intermediate element 1112 a.

As shown in FIG. 21, a connection element 1101 is provided forconnecting adjacent intermediate elements 1112 a into a conveyor. Links(not shown), such as any of the links discussed above, may be attachedin various ways to intermediate elements 1112 a to form a conveyor.Connection element 1101 comprises a barbell shaped element having acenter rod 1103 and two larger end pieces 1105. End pieces 1105 comprisespherical members that are seated within openings 1109 in intermediateelements 1112 a. Slots 1107 extending from openings 1109 allow forassembly and a certain amount of play between adjacent intermediateelements 1112 a to provide for three-dimensional movement betweenadjacent intermediate elements 1112 a, as discussed above.

Use of the structure of FIGS. 20 and 21 allows for an alternate form ofa filler. As shown in FIG. 22, a slight modification has been made to aportion of filler 602 and the on and off ramps. As shown in FIG. 22,filler 602 includes three rotating platforms 604 a, 604 b, and 604 c.Platform 604 a is located vertically lowest and platform 604 c islocated vertically highest. On ramps 612 a and 612 b (for dualconveyors) and off ramps 614 a and 614 b (also for dual conveyors) aresubstantially flat and slide intermediate elements 1112 a substantiallyhorizontally onto rotating platforms 604 a and 604 b. Platforms 604 band 604 c include receiving elements 628 b in the shape of indentationsfor receiving sides of intermediate elements 1112 a. As above, conveyorsare fed to filler 600 along tracks (not shown other than the on and offramps), at which point the conveyors depart the tracks and are grippedby the filler in registration with filling heads (not shown in FIG. 22).Each indentation 628 b is disposed for placing a conveyed container inregistration with a filler element. If desired, intermediate elements1112 a could include indentations and platforms 604 a–c could includemating protrusions, or other equivalent cooperating structures. Tensionbetween adjacent links caused by the connection of connection elements1101 keeps the links tightly held against indentations 628 b forconveying containers around the filler for filling. Use of theintermediate elements 1112 a allows for the direct sliding (without anyvertical component) to place links in location for filling containers,as contrasted with use of intermediate elements 412 a having arm 419. Incertain situations such structure could provide beneficial results interms of container stability. Again, such structure need not be used ina dual filler configuration, at which point elements 612 b, 614 b and604 c could be eliminated. Numerous modifications and variations arepossible for the device of FIGS. 20 and 21, incorporating various of theteachings of previous figures and embodiments.

FIGS. 23–24 show another alternate form of a conveyor 1210 along withcertain corresponding system components, such as a track, a fillerportion, etc. In FIGS. 23–24, the link 1212 is in a form somewhatsimilar to intermediate element 1112 a of FIGS. 20–22. Link 1212includes a link body 1230 having at least one movable gripping member1232 extending from the link body. As shown, two oppositely movinggripping members 1232 are provided. The gripping members are configuredfor gripping an object such as a container C by the neck of thecontainer. Gripping members 1232 may be modified in various ways toconform to the size and shape of the container neck, as desired.

Link bodies 1230 include openings 1209 and slots 1207 for receiving andseating connection elements 1201, which may comprise barbell-shapedelements having a center rod 1203 and larger end pieces 1205, as above.Alternatively, other connection elements such as a flexible cable couldbe used to join links 1212 together into a conveyor, as discussed above.

A track 1213 including dual channels 1215 may be provided to guide links1212 along a desired path. Links 1212 may thus include an extendingflange 1217 sliding within channels 1215. Alternate track designs andmating link structures may be employed, as described above. Conveyor1210 may rotate in three dimensions by configuring the trackaccordingly, as discussed above.

A guide structure may be provided on each of links 1212 for mating acomponent of a processing station to the neck of the container forprocessing the container. As shown in FIG. 23, an opening 1280 isprovided through link bodies 1230. The opening permits individualfilling elements 1220 to extend through link bodies 1230 to contactcontainer C (at protrusion P) as necessary to fill the containers.Alternately, other processing station components, such as elements ofrinsers, cappers, etc. could be used in conjunction with the guidestructure. It should be understood that the guide structure need notcomprise an opening, but could comprise other shapes, indentations,and/or (as discussed below) certain features of gripping members 1232 soas to provide aligned access to necks of containers for processing.Also, filling elements 1220 are illustrated as sequentially moving tocontact containers C, which is one possible design. As discussedpreviously, groups of such elements may move together.

As shown in FIG. 24, one or more gripping members 1232 may bespring-loaded by a spring member 1266 toward a closed gripping position.In such case, a camming member (not shown) could be used to opengripping members 1232 when desired. Alternately, the camming andspring-loading functions could be reversed so that camming could be usedto close gripping members 1232, as desired. Gripping members 1232 pivotvia arms 1233 extending into link bodies 1230. Camming surfaces 1234 maybe provided along an outer edge of gripping members 1232 to allowcontainers to be slid into gripping portion 1235 of gripping members1232. Gears 1236 may be provided to link the motions of the grippingmembers 1232 so that they move in unison.

As indicated above, the gripping members 1232 may themselves assist inmating the container with a component of a processing station. Grippingmembers 1232 may be configured so as to assist in alignment in up tothree dimensions. For example, the contours of gripping portions 1235can align the containers in one or two dimensions. As shown, thesubstantially arcuate shapes of gripping portions 1235 mate with theround neck of container C, and thus align the container in twodimensions (horizontally, as shown). Interaction between protrusion P oncontainer C and gripping members 1232 also may be used to aligncontainer C in a third dimension (vertically, as shown). Thus, theconfiguration of gripping members 1232 may also act as a guidestructure, either as an alternative to or as a supplement to opening1280 or other related structures formed on link body 1230.

As above, conveyor 1210 may be utilized to grip and convey objects suchas containers in various applications, both uprighted and invertedthrough bends or twists, etc. Conveyor 1210 may be used to passcontainers through various portions of a processing system such asrinsers, cappers, fillers, etc. The guide structure, which may compriseopenings 1280 discussed above, allows access to the interior ofcontainers being conveyed. Track 1213 can be utilized to transport links1212 to a filler, capper, rinser, etc. at which point links 1212 wouldbe attached to such processing station. The attaching structure found onthe links to achieve such attachment to a processing station couldcomprise a curved outer structure on each link 1212, so as to fit intoindentations such as elements 628 a and 628 b described above.Alternately, the attaching structure could comprise flanges 1217 thatcould help direct links 1212 into alternate tracks (not shown) extendingaround and rotating with a rinser, filler, capper, etc. Thus, spacing oflinks 1212 along the conveyor, potentially in combination with externalshapes found along links 1212 can be utilized to attach and align links1212 in registration with components of processing stations such asrinsers, fillers, cappers, etc.

FIG. 25 shows a modification to the design of FIGS. 23 and 24. In FIG.25, the gripping members 1332 extend from a top of a link body 1330 (asshown), so that in use the neck of the container C extends through theopening 1380 in the link 1312. Such structure can provide addedstability and allows easier access to container necks in someapplications. Otherwise, the design of FIG. 25 is substantially similarto the design of FIGS. 23 and 24.

FIG. 26 shows another embodiment of a conveyor 1410 according to certainaspects of the invention. As shown, conveyor 1410 includes links 1412having link bodies 1430 and at least one movable gripping member 1432.Each of links 1412 has universal joint components used to form the linksinto the belt portion of conveyor 1410. The universal joint componentsinclude an extension extending from link body 1430 and a cavity 1409disposed within link body 1430. The extension includes an end piece 1405mounted atop a rod 1403. End piece 1403 and cavity 1409 may besubstantially spherical, or some other mating shapes if desired.

The extension extends along an axis 1401 that is substantially unalignedwith the direction of transport 1402. As illustrated, the two lines 1401and 1402 are oriented perpendicular to each other. It should beunderstood that the lines need not be fully perpendicular, but if line1401 is substantially unaligned with line 1402 then a larger percentageof end piece 1405 and mating cavity 1409 are in contact with each otherduring use, as compared for example to similar structures in FIG. 21,where a direction of travel and the direction in which rod 1103 extendsare not substantially unaligned (note openings 1107 in FIG. 21). Byaltering the orientation of the extension portion of the universal jointcomponent so as to not extend substantially along the line of travel,such improved contact can be achieved. In some applications, this can bemore desirable. Also, as shown, it should be noted that the extension1403, 1405 is formed fixed with reference to body 1430. This orientationmay also be beneficial in certain applications.

Body 1430 has a length extending along the direction of travel 1402 anda width extending across the direction of travel. Gripping members 1432are spring loaded via a spring member 1466 toward a gripping position.Spring member 1466 is held between plates 1431 and 1433, and withinopenings 1467 in gripping members 1432. An extension 1434 from one ofgripping members 1432 carries a cam follower member 1452 for contactinga cam member 1484 to selectively open the gripping members, as withabove embodiments. As above, spring member 1466, a tension spring, couldbe substituted with an alterative such as a tension spring or a leafspring if desired.

As shown, both gripping members are movable in unison via intermeshinggears 1441 disposed on each gripping member. Such structure is optional,and can be utilized if desired to reduce the number of spring members toone and/or to tie together movement of gripping members 1432. Also, itshould be understood that only one gripping member 1432 need be movablewithin the scope of the invention.

Link body 1430 may include multiple parts, if desired. For example, asshown, link body includes a plurality of attached plates, 1431, 1433joined by a spacer 1435. The spacer allows gripping members 1432 to moveabout pivot points 1443. Also, another spacer 1437 may be used to attachan attaching structure 1414 to the other plates so as to form a part oflink body 1430. As shown, structure 1414 is substantially cylindricaland includes a slot 1416. Attaching structure 1414 may be used to guidelink body 1430 along a track 1413 and/or to attach the link body to anyelement along an article handling system, such as a container processingsystem. Although links 1412 have been illustrated as being made of aplurality of attached plates and spacers, it should be understood thatvarious alternatives and additions are also possible to the structureshown. Thus, link bodies 1430 could be molded or machined out of fewerparts, and could be made of metals such as steel, out of plastics, orother materials, or mixtures of various materials.

If desired, adjacent links may be configured to grip conveyed articleswith a predetermined spacing. Such predetermined spacing can be definedby the spacing of parts within the article handling system. For example,such spacing can be defined by the distance between filler or capperelements along such a system. However, any predetermined spacing desiredfor any article handling system can be achieved by properly configuringthe dimensions of link 1412. In particular, the spacing between theextension 1403, 1405 and cavity 1409 on a given link 1412 can bepreselected to match a desired spacing of elements within an articlehandling system. If desired, gripping members 1432 can be configuredaccordingly to hold the conveyed articles in place relative to links1412, for example by contouring the ends of the gripping members in someway.

FIGS. 31–34 show another conveyor 1510 according to certain otheraspects of the invention. Conveyor 1510 is similar to conveyor 1410 inthat both include universal joint components extending along an axissubstantially unaligned with the direction of transport. However,conveyor 1510 includes a modular two part link body 1530, includingparts 1512, 1512 a. Also, parts 1512 include a sliding rather thanpivoting gripping member 1532 design that is also suitable for grippingarticle bottoms rather than tops. Further, cavity 1509 is formed withinpart 1512 a, not within an attached part such as part 1414, which can bemore secure for certain applications.

As shown, link bodies 1530 may include parts 1512 a formable into achain that is suitable for receiving differing attachments 1512.Attachments 1512 may be removed to change the type of article conveyed,or for cleaning or servicing. Each attachment 1512 has at least onemovable gripping member 1532. As shown gripping members 1532 areoptionally both movable, and are joined via a rack 1541 and pinion 1533gear drive arrangement. Racks 1541 are connected to gripping members1532 via members 1543 and may be cammed open against the force ofsprings 1566. The springs are compressed between pins 1567 and tabs1568. As shown, attachments 1512 extend further in the lateral directionthan in the direction of travel, which may be desired in someapplications.

As above, the design of FIGS. 31–34 allows for a pivotal conveyor designwith three dimensional movement possible between adjacent links. Thesubstantially unaligned with direction of travel 1502 orientation ofaxis 1501 allows for a secure yet still pivotal attachment. The variousportions or additions thereto of part 1512 a can be used to guideconveyor 1510 along a track and/or attach it to an element or an articlehandling station, as described above. By configuring the conveyoraccordingly, articles can be conveyed with a predetermined spacingtherebetween, in registry with an element of the conveying system.

The conveyors and links of FIGS. 1A–34 have particular usefulness inpicking up and moving objects including containers, either by theirnecks or their bases. The objects can be inverted, if desired, to passthem through a rinser or a labeler, or to allow them to drain. Movinglightweight plastic containers is also reliably performed, as thebottles are securely gripped during travel. Tipping over of suchlightweight containers is not an issue when the containers are grippedfrom above. Therefore, it is possible in some applications to move theconveyed objects very rapidly.

The conveyors and links of FIGS. 1A–34 may be modified in various waysto incorporate teachings of the embodiments of other embodiments withinFIGS. 1A–34. It should be understood that various other modificationsand combinations of the above embodiments are contemplated and are alsowithin the scope of the present invention. For example, spring membersshown as compression springs could be substituted with tension springs,and vice versa, with corresponding modifications of other relatedelements. In such cases, movement of cam followers and cams from oneside of a link to the other may be required, among other changes. Also,each link may include only one or multiple gripping members. Eachgripping member may include only one or multiple gripping arms. Multiplegripping arms may be actuated by a single slider on a link, or eachgripping arms may be actuated by a single slider on a link, or eachgripping arm may have its own slider. The shape of the link body, themethod of attachment to the drive mechanism, the type of drivemechanism, and the disclosed uses of the conveyors herein are alsoexamples only, and no limitations should be drawn from this disclosure.Thus, the present invention contemplates that any and all such subjectmatter is included within the scope of the present invention.

1. A link for a conveyor suitable for conveying objects along atransport direction, a plurality of the links being attachable to formthe conveyor, the link comprising: a body having a length extendingalong the direction of transport and a width extending across thedirection of transport; two opposed gripping members extending from thebody, at least one of the gripping members being a movable grippingmember movable from a first opened position to a second grippingposition, the movable gripping member including a gripping end, thegripping members being located so as to contact one of the objects viathe gripping end when the movable gripping member is in the secondposition to hold the object relative to the body during transport; atleast one spring member urging the movable gripping member toward thesecond position; and universal joint components including an extensionand a cavity, the extension being disposable in a cavity of a firstadjacent link, and the cavity for receiving an extension of a secondadjacent link, the extension extending along an axis substantiallyunaligned with the direction of transport.
 2. The link of claim 1,wherein the extension and the cavity are configured to form ball andsocket joints capable of relative three-dimensional movement.
 3. Thelink of claim 1, wherein the object is a bottle having a neck, and thegripping members are configured to grip the bottle by the neck.
 4. Thelink of claim 1, wherein the second position is self-adjustabledepending on the size of the object.
 5. The link of claim 1, wherein theconveyor includes at least one cam member and each movable grippingmember includes at least one cam follower, the cam member contacting thecam follower to move the movable gripping member toward the firstposition.
 6. The link of claim 1, wherein the link includes attachingstructure for attaching the link to at least one element along ahandling system.
 7. The link of claim 6, wherein the attaching structureincludes a contact member extending from the body configured forattachment to the at least one element.
 8. The link of claim 7, whereinthe contact member is substantially cylindrical.
 9. The link of claim 7,wherein the cavity is located at least partially within the contactmember.
 10. The link of claim 1, wherein the gripping members aremounted directly to the body.
 11. The link of claim 1, wherein thegripping members are mounted to a carrying member, the carrying memberbeing mounted to the body.
 12. The link of claim 11, wherein thecarrying member includes a transport surface, the conveyed objectresting on the transport surface.
 13. The link of claim 1, furtherincluding a gear drive mechanism joining the gripping members forsimultaneous movement.
 14. The link of claim 13, wherein the gear drivemechanism includes teeth on the gripping members.
 15. The link of claim13, wherein the gear drive mechanism includes a rack and pinionarrangement.
 16. The link of claim 1, wherein the axis along which theextension extends is substantially perpendicular to the direction oftransport.
 17. A link for a conveyor suitable for conveying objectsalong a transport direction to various elements within a handlingsystem, a plurality of the links being attachable to form the conveyor,the link comprising: a body having a length extending along thedirection of transport and a width extending across the direction oftransport; two opposed gripping members extending from the body, eachgripping member being movable from a first opened position to a secondgripping position, the gripping members each including a gripping armhaving a pivot point, a gripping end spaced from the pivot point, thegripping members being located so as to contact one of the objects viathe gripping end when the gripping members are in the second position tohold the object relative to the body during transport; at least onespring member urging the gripping members toward the second position;universal joint components including an extension and a cavity, theextension being disposable in a cavity of a first adjacent link, and thecavity for receiving an extension of a second adjacent link, theextension extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to thedirection of transport; and attaching structure for attaching the linkto at least one element along the handling system.
 18. The link of claim17, wherein the extension and the cavity are configured to form ball andsocket joints capable of relative three-dimensional movement.
 19. Thelink of claim 17, wherein the object is a bottle having a neck, and thegripping members are configured to grip the bottle by the neck.
 20. Thelink of claim 17, wherein the attaching structure includes a contactmember extending from the body configured for attachment to the at leastone element.
 21. The link of claim 20, wherein the contact member issubstantially cylindrical.
 22. The link of claim 20, wherein the cavityis located at least partially within the contact member.
 23. The link ofclaim 17, further including a gear drive mechanism joining the grippingmembers for simultaneous movement.
 24. The link of claim 17, whereinadjacent links grip conveyed objects with a predetermined spacing. 25.The link of claim 24, wherein the predetermined spacing corresponds to aspacing of parts within the handling system.
 26. A conveyor suitable forconveying objects along a transport direction, a plurality of linksbeing attachable to form the conveyor, each link comprising: a bodyhaving a length extending along the direction of transport and a widthextending across the direction of transport; two opposed grippingmembers extending from the body, at least one of the gripping memberbeing a movable gripping member movable from a first opened position toa second gripping position, the movable gripping member including agripping end, the gripping members being located so as to contact one ofthe objects via the gripping end when the movable gripping member is inthe second position to hold the object relative to the body duringtransport; at least one spring member urging the movable gripping membertoward the second position; and universal joint components including anextension and a cavity, the extension being disposable in a cavity of afirst adjacent link, and the cavity for receiving an extension of asecond adjacent link, the extension extending along an axissubstantially unaligned with the direction of transport.
 27. Theconveyor of claim 26, wherein the extension and the cavity areconfigured to form ball and socket joints capable of relativethree-dimensional movement.
 28. The conveyor of claim 26, wherein theobject is a bottle having a neck, and the gripping members areconfigured to grip the bottle by the neck.
 29. The conveyor of claim 26,wherein the second position is self-adjustable depending on the size ofthe object.
 30. The conveyor of claim 26, wherein the conveyor includesat least one cam member and each movable gripping member include atleast one cam follower, the cam member contacting the cam follower tomove the movable gripping members toward the first position.
 31. Theconveyor of claim 26, wherein the link includes attaching structure forattaching the link to at least one element along a handling system. 32.The conveyor of claim 31, wherein the attaching structure includes acontact member extending from the body configured for attachment to theat least one element.
 33. The conveyor of claim 32, wherein the contactmember is substantially cylindrical.
 34. The conveyor of claim 33,wherein the cavity is located at least partially within the contactmember.
 35. The conveyor of claim 26, wherein the gripping members aremounted directly to the body.
 36. The conveyor of claim 26, wherein thegripping members are mounted to a carrying member, the carrying memberbeing mounted to the body.
 37. The conveyor of claim 36, wherein thecarrying member includes a transport surface, the conveyed objectresting on the transport surface.
 38. The conveyor of claim 26, furtherincluding a gear drive mechanism joining the gripping members forsimultaneous movement.
 39. The conveyor of claim 38, wherein the geardrive mechanism includes teeth on the gripping members.
 40. The conveyorof claim 38, wherein the gear drive mechanism includes a rack and pinionarrangement.
 41. The conveyor of claim 26, wherein the axis along whichthe extension extends is substantially perpendicular to the direction oftransport.
 42. A conveyor suitable for conveying objects along atransport direction to various elements within a handling system, aplurality of links being attachable to form the conveyor, each linkcomprising: a body having a length extending along the direction oftransport and a width extending across the direction of transport; twoopposed gripping members extending from the body, each gripping memberbeing movable from a first opened position to a second grippingposition, the gripping members each including a gripping arm having apivot point, a gripping end spaced from the pivot point, the grippingmembers being located so as to contact one of the objects via thegripping end when the gripping members are in the second position tohold the object relative to the body during transport; at least onespring member urging the gripping members toward the second position;universal joint components including an extension and a cavity, theextension being disposable in a cavity of a first adjacent link, and thecavity for receiving an extension of a second adjacent link, theextension extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to thedirection of transport; and attaching structure for attaching the linkto at least one element along the handling system.
 43. The conveyor ofclaim 42, wherein the extension and the cavity are configured to formball and socket joints capable of relative three-dimensional movement.44. The conveyor of claim 42, wherein the object is a bottle having aneck, and the gripping members are configured to grip the bottle by theneck.
 45. The conveyor of claim 42, wherein the attaching structureincludes a contact member extending from the body configured forattachment to the at least one element.
 46. The conveyor of claim 45,wherein the contact member is substantially cylindrical.
 47. Theconveyor of claim 45, wherein the cavity is located at least partiallywithin the contact member.
 48. The conveyor of claim 42, furtherincluding a gear drive mechanism joining the gripping members forsimultaneous movement.
 49. The conveyor of claim 42, wherein adjacentlinks grip conveyed objects with a predetermined spacing.
 50. Theconveyor of claim 49, wherein the predetermined spacing corresponds to aspacing of parts within the handling system.